Dustin Poirier recently took the MMA community on a rollercoaster ride in anticipation of his upcoming 155-pound clash with Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 set for next month. The event will take place on March 9, 2024, inside the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Dustin Poirier made a surprising revelation through his social media earlier this morning. He declared that the scheduled five-round (non-title) lightweight co-main event was off. But he also mentioned that he was still diligently preparing, hinting at the possibility of a different opportunity.
However, it turns out the match was never officially signed in the first place.
Fortunately, Poirier clarified the confusion in his tweet a few hours later. He apologized for any confusion, attributing it to his inability to reach his manager for a few days.
Poirier reassured fans, stating: “Sorry folks, I jumped the gun, I couldn’t get a hold of my manager for a few days. I just spoke with him and [UFC CBO] Hunter [Campbell]. Misunderstanding on my part. Fight is on! See you March 9th Miami!!!”
However, UFC CEO Dana White was not pleased with the claims made by Poirier. White opted to share his text conversation (not a legally binding contract) with Benoit Saint Denis as evidence of the match’s confirmation.
White also took the opportunity to criticize MMA reporter Guilherme Cruz, accusing media professionals of prioritizing being first rather than accurate reporting.
In an Instagram story, White expressed his frustration, saying: “You media guys are such pieces of s**t. Writing whatever click bait u can to be first and not right. This is why NOBODY trusts or likes you.”
After Poirier’s initial tweet, Guilherme Cruz posted a video from an interview he recently conducted with Saint Denis’ coach, Daniel Woirin. In the interview, Woirin disclosed that they were unaware of the match being officially confirmed when it was publicly announced.
Woirin said: “Benoit was sleeping when news broke. His wife woke him up saying, ‘Hey, you’re fighting Poirier’ (laughs).”
MMA fans can now rest assured that one of the most anticipated matchups on the immediate calendar is still on track.